Cat bites cat? Unfortunately, frisky felines that spend time outdoors sometimes start a fight for territorial rights or mating. And cat fights invariably lead to cat bites.

Cat bites almost always become infected because the needle-like teeth inject bacteria from the mouth into and under the skin. The small wounds left on the surface seal over quickly, trapping the bacteria inside. A “pocket” of infection, called an abscess, forms and fills with yellow or greenish pus.

Cats with abscesses typically have a high fever and stop eating. But a trip to the veterinarian can turn that feverish feline into a purring pussycat once again. Once the abscess has been drained and antibiotics administered, recovery is typically rapid.

To minimize fighting and biting, keep kitties indoors, and spay or neuter them to cut down on their urge to do the stray cat strut.